MAJOR EXPANSION ACTIVITY LAUNCH COMPLEX A SARY-SHAGAN MTC USSR

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78T05162A000100010068-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 7
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 2, 2011
• Sequence Number: 68
• Publication Date: February 1, 1970
• Content Type: REPORT

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PHOTOGRAPHIC INTERPRETATION REPORT
MAJOR EXPANSION ACTIVITY
LAUNCH COMPLEX A
SARY-SHAGAN MTC
USSR
FEBRUARY 1970
COPY 118
5 PAGES
PIR-011/70
GROUP 1: EXCLUDED FROM
AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING
AND DECLASSIFICATION
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MAJOR EXPANSION ACTIVITY
LAUNCH COMPLEX A
SARY-SHAGAN MTC, USSR
ABSTRACT
Significant expansion activity in the area of the GALOSH launch sites at launch
complex A is indicated by the construction of an overall perimeter security fence and two
new possible launch positions.
The perimeter fence presently under construction will secure an area of 188.1 hectares
(465 acres). A large area within the security fence and adjacent to the old GRIFFON launch
site 5 is available for future development.
The two new possible launch positions are under construction in a separately secured
area adjacent to the two GALOSH launch sites. At the present stage of construction the two
possible launch positions do not resemble the signature of any known Soviet R&D or
deployed missile launch sites.
Several changes and new features have also been observed at GALOSH launch sites 7A
and 7B.
INTRODUCTION
The 188.1-hectare (465-acre) area which includes the two new possible launch positions
and the two GALOSH launch sites is located in the northern part of launch complex A.
Excavations for the two new possible launch positions were first observed in September
1969. Initial construction for launch site 7A was observed in September 1968 and was
probably complete by February 1969. Launch site 7B was first observed under construction
in August 1969 and is now nearing completion.
BASIC DESCRIPTION
New Secured Area
A new overall perimeter fence (Figure 1) is observed under construction in the area of
the recently identified GALOSH launch sites. The fence will secure an area of 188.1
hectares (465 acres) and will include the two GALOSH launch sites, two new possible
launch sites, the old GRIFFON launch site 5, the electronic site C control facility, and
electronic positions C1 and C3. The newly secured area includes a large section available for
development adjacent to launch site 5.
New Possible Launch Positions
Two new possible launch positions (Figures 1 and 2) are under construction in the
separately secured 16.1-hectare (40-acre) area adjacent to launch sites 7A and 7B. The
positions are approximately midway on the western side of the base of the T-shaped road.
Spaced 53 meters (175 feet) apart, they will be served by an oval-shaped wide-radius-turn
road. At t , each position consists of a rectangular
excavation On one side of each excavation, the edges of
the service road leading to the position have been slightly mounded. At the easternmost
position a partial covering is observed over the excavation.
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A possible instrumentation pattern, presently consisting of an open trench
extends from the easternmost position on an azimuth (105/285
degrees) similar to the patterns observed at launch sites 7A and 7B and at launch complex
D. Five sections of conduit ready for installation are adjacent to the open trench. A building
foundation and a probable partial revetment wall are
observed between the two possible launch positions and within the oval-shaped road.
Within the same separately secured area just east of the two possible launch positions
and located along the base of the T-shaped road are two rectangular areas. At one area pre-
cast concrete blocks are being installed, providing the area with an overall length
The width of this area varies considerably, as installation of the concrete
blocks is incomplete. Two small building excavations are observed adjacent to this area.
The second rectangular area appears similar in dimensions, but only earth grading is
presently evident.
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Launch Sites 7A and 7B
The GALOSH launch site (Figure 3) identified in June 1969 is designated launch site
7A. From new mensuration based on the height of the vertical erector arms is
the length of the top of each vertical erector arms is approximately
nd the distance between the erector arms An
erector beam is visible for the first time on each vertical erector arm. The shorter vehicle
indices on the western side of the launcher erector indicate the direction of approach of a
The second GALOSH launch site (Figure 3) designated 7B and located
northeast of 7A, is observed nearing completion. Vehicle indices or guide rails,
have been installed bisecting the launcher erector. The launcher
erector base is observed slightly rotated off the line of the vehicle indices. One vertical
erector arm has been installed on the launcher
erector base. The second erector arm is lying on the service road adjacent to 7B. This
erector arm A portion of this arm will
be installed below the launcher erector base, which accounts for the differences in length of
the two launcher erector arms. No erector beams are visible on either erector arm. A
partially revetted building, 7 by 7 meters (23 by 23 feet), and identical to the one at 7A, is
just north of the launcher erector. The direction of approach of a transporter launcher for
launching engagement at site 7B is from south to north, as indicated by the shorter vehicle
indices on the southern side of the launcher erector.
A possible instrumentation pattern consisting of five groups of poles has been installed
adjacent to 7B along the same azimuth (105/285 degrees) as the pattern identified at site
7A.
SAC. US Air Target Chart, Series 200. Sheet M0245-9HL. 4th ed, Nov 66, scale 1:200,000 (SECRET/
REQUIREMENT
NPIC Project 143251NJ
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